The push by the U.S.-based Association of Corporate Counsel to recruit more Canadian members is facing some unexpected opposition. A copyright infringement suit over the association’s frequently used acronym (ACC) has been launched by Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, the owner of Toronto’s Air Canada Centre (ACC).
“There’s no question that this violation could create significant confusion,” said MLSE spokesperson Allan Bester. “We find it unconscionable that the organization in question would attempt to expand its operations in Canada using a moniker that is already clearly identified with a marquee Toronto destination.”
An anonymous source within MLSE tells Precedent that the legal skirmish began when company executives overheard two lawyers discussing the common acronym at a recent Toronto Maple Leafs game.
“It was then that we realized that this could not stand,” said Bester. “After all, lawyers are some of MLSE’s best customers.”
An unnamed representative from the Association of Corporate Counsel described the suit as “completely without merit,” but would not comment further.
Click here to read MLSE’s statement about the suit.
Photo by Christine K